Articles Written by Rehan Jalali

Supplementation Articles

Obesity Research : Fat Loss Supplements

Fat loss is always an exciting area of research with new and cutting edge information published regularly on the subject.  Fat and weight loss is a very "hot" topic because most people want to look and feel better.  In fact, every year for the past twenty years, the #1 New Years resolution has been to lose weight.  This is one reason that thermogenic and other fat loss promoting supplements sell very well.  But is it all hype or is there clinical validation behind these products?

New research on an "old favorite"

Many of us know the powerful effects of the E/C/A stack, i.e. precise combinations of ephedrine, caffeine, and aspirin or their herbal equivalents.  There are dozens of studies that show the effectiveness and safety of these products in terms of fat loss.  Of course if you have a medical condition or are sensitive to stimulants, these may not be for you.  Actually, many of the studies are on just caffeine and ephedrine.  A new study recently published again shows the effectiveness of this "fat melting" combination, at least in the short term.  In a study entitled "An herbal supplement containing ma huang-guarana for weight loss: A randomized, double-blind trial" published in March 2001 (1), the researchers investigated the effects of combining ma huang and guarana on overweight men and women (72 mg/day ephedrine alkaloids and 240 mg/day caffeine).  The results clearly show that the supplement group lost more body fat and weight than the placebo or non-supplement group over an 8 week period.  The supplement group also showed a greater reduction in hip circumference and serum triglyceride levels.   The researchers concluded that "this herbal mixture of ma huang and guarana effectively promoted short-term weight and fat loss."  A few of the test subjects did report insomnia, dry mouth, and headache with the use of the supplement.  This study once again confirms the usefulness of this potent combination of caffeine and ephedrine on fat loss in a short period of time.

Guggulsterones

To begin the discussion about guggulsterones, we must first talk about thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones are very important for normal growth and development. Thyroid hormones maintain metabolic stability by regulating oxygen requirements, body weight, and intermediary metabolism (2). Thyroid hormones have effects in almost all tissues of the body.  Thyroid hormones exert effects on thermogenesis and temperature regulation.  This can explain some of the effects they have on energy metabolism.  Thyroid hormones can actually stimulate protein synthesis which is a big plus for bodybuilders and other athletes. Thyroid hormones have also been implicated in lowering cholesterol.  Now let’s get to the most important effect of thyroid hormone on someone looking to lose weight.  Thyroid hormones can enhance lipolysis (fat burning) in adipose (fat) tissue.  More lipolysis, more fat loss. Capish!

The two main thyroid hormones that have any relevance are T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (3,5,3’ triiodothyronine).  T4 is also inactive thyroid while T3 is active thyroid.  T4 can convert into T3 in the liver by the enzyme 5’ deiodinase which in turn can help maintain a healthy metabolism and cause fat loss to occur.

Guggulipid (also known as Guggulsterones) has been around for hundreds of years in ayruvedic medicine.  Ayruvedic medicine is a naturalistic approach to medicine that has been practiced in India for centuries.  There have been several research studies done on this herb showing very positive benefits.  One study entitled Clinical Trials On Guggulipid: A Hypolipidaemic Agent published in The Journal of Association of Physicians in India in 1989 (3) showed that guggulipid had a very strong effect in decreasing triglycerides (fats) as well as LDL (bad cholesterol) levels while increasing HDL (good cholesterol) levels in human subjects.  It has these functional effects because it may cause an increase in thyroid hormone levels (both T4 and T3).  There are several other studies that have shown similar effects of gugulipid as a fat reducing compound (4,5).  A brand new evaluation study published in Pharmacotherapy in April 2001 also confirms the cholesterol and lipid lowering effects of guggulsterones (6).  

When choosing a guggulipid product, make sure it is a standardized guggulsterone of type E and Z from the plant commiphora mukul.  Based on the research behind this supplement and the “real world” results I have seen, this supplement is a must for any healthy individual trying to lose body fat.  

Octopamine: Fat reducing compound or science fiction?

This is a unique and interesting compound that I looked at several years ago.  It is actually one of the components of Zhi Shi, which is a Chinese herb that comes from the immature dried fruit of Citrus aurantium commonly referred to as bitter orange. When harvested early in its ripening, Zhi shi is composed of a number of chemical amines including: synephrine, octopamine, hordenine, N-Methyltyramine and Tyramine. A study last year published in January 2000 (7) concluded that "octopamine could be considered as an endogenous selective beta 3 adrenergic agonist." This could mean it has great potential for fat loss in humans even though the beta 3 receptor seems to be a newer and unclear area of research.  This specific receptor is more potent in animals but may have a function in humans.  More to come on this detailed subject….

The subject of fat loss will always be one that is investigated further and further in science.  We'll keep you in tune with the latest advancements to help you get lean and stay there!

References:

1.     Boozer, CN., et al., " An herbal supplement containing ma huang-guarana for weight loss: A randomized, double-blind trial," Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 25.3 (2001) : 316-324.

2.     Griffin J, Ojeda S. Textbook of endocrine physiology, 3^rd ed. New York : Oxford University Press, 1996.

3.     S. Nityanand, et al., “Clinical Trials with gugulipid. A new hypolipidaemic agent,” J Assoc Physicians India 37.5 (1989): 323-328.

4.     K Gopal, et al., “Clinical trial of ethyl acetate extract of gum gugulu (gugulipid) in primary hyperlipidemia,” J Assoc Physicians India 34.4 (1986): 249-251.

5.     R. Agarwal, et al., “ Clinical trials of gugulipid—a new hypolipidemic agent of plant origin in primary hyperlipidemia,” Indian J Med Res 84 (1986): 626-634.

6.     Caron, ME., et al., "Evaluation of the antihyperlipidemic properties of dietary supplements," Pharmacotherapy 21.4 (2001) : 481-487.

7.     Fontana E., et al., "Effects of octopamine on lipolysis, glucose transport and amine oxidation in mammalian fat cells," Comp Biochem Physiol C Pharmacol Toxicol Endocrinol 125.1 (2000) : 33-44.

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